Keeps Visitors Smiling with Something for Everyone
The best visits conjure up “What would it be like to live here?" musings. It only happens during some vacations, but now and then, we explore somewhere that's achieved the harmony of friendly people, diverse activities, and outstanding amenities in a beautiful setting. Spend a few days in San Luis Obispo and you might hear yourself murmur,
The sense of escape when you visit San Luis Obispo is palpable. Home to one of America’s preeminent polytechnic universities, charm courses through town. Blissful days begin in a quiet tree-lined setting followed by wine tasting, hiking, and perhaps a sunset beach stroll.
The 18-mile-long stream, with headwaters in the Santa Lucia Mountains, flows past the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and eventually empties into the Pacific Ocean. Add in the mild Mediterranean climate and volcanic loam soil, and it's no surprise that the SLO Coast Wine Region is one of North America's finest.
Located about a ten-minute drive from downtown, San Luis Obispo’s wine region unveils a brilliant afternoon tasting Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and other breeze-friendly varietals from terraces that offer views of the Nine Sisters, volcanic cones formed of the same ancient ash that nurtures the grapevines.
As with the pours themselves, each winery brings unique character to the tasting experience, from the flower-lined brick terrace at Wolff Vineyards to Tolosa’s Tuscan-inspired courtyard, two of numerous local wineries that have attained SIP (Sustainability in Practice) Certification.
Like the wineries that dot the region, lodging options suit every desired experience from
boutique luxury in the heart of downtown to budget-friendly bed and breakfasts. In addition to familiar names, independent hotels add a personal touch to a unique stay in the heart of it all.
A Culinary Feast for Foodies
The chefs across town take pride in crafting menus that pay tribute to the region’s dynamic agricultural legacy. Perhaps not surprisingly, given the Mediterranean ambiance, several ristorantes thrive downtown with nuanced menus that reflect various Italian regions. Peruvian, Ethiopian and other influences color the culinary atlas too.
Foodies often wish for more meals in a day, given the vast array of styles, from Luna Red’s fresh ceviches to Michelin-approved Nate's On Marsh, among many, many others. “Spot the Chef” is a favorite game at the downtown SLO Farmers’ Market. On Thursday evenings, you'll discover more than 100 food vendors, artisans, and entertainers lining five blocks of downtown along Higuera Street.
Shop and dine like a local in League City's Historic District.
There are plenty of other reasons MSN included San Luis Obispo among the "Top 10 Happiest Cities in the USA." Shoppers love the independent clothing boutiques and artisan-rich shops boasting talent from makers of all trades, sojourns that are easily accented with “rosé breaks” on a patio bathed in mottled sunlight. Those craving a bit of the quirky squeeze into Bubblegum Alley, a narrow passage lined on both sides with ever-changing gum graffiti.
By Story Studio on May 16, 2024
Families find options aplenty to entertain the younger set. A bevy of parks and acres of open space offer biking and hiking trails, modern playgrounds, and picnic sites. The play complex at Sinsheimer Park is packed with slides and fanciful climbing structures, a modern obstacle course for kids. There’s also a swimming pool to cool down after a romp around the park. Old-school swings and monkey bars await at Laguna Hills Park.
Welcome to a Happy Place
San Luis Obispo also serves as Central California’s refined cultural hub, starting with the acoustically outstanding Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo (PAC), located on the Cal Poly campus and historic downtown Fremont Theater, which plays host to big name bands, comedy acts and more. Don't miss the late-night gallery at San Luis Obispo Museum of Art if you visit the first Friday of the month. SLOMA is known for contemporary and mixed-media exhibitions and a surprisingly robust permanent collection for small city art museums.
Artists and other creative types have long been drawn to San Luis Obispo’s elevated arts scene in a low-key community amid a spectacular landscape.
San Luis Obispo’s designation as “America’s Happiest City” is not reserved for residents.
Visitors receive the collective embrace from a community that feels quaint, welcoming, and
engaged. Sprinkle in landmarks located less than one hour away, like Hearst Castle, the coast’s epic dunes, and Big Sur, and you too will discover you’re a grin that stretches ear to ear. Click to Visit San Luis Obispo's website to set your smile in motion.
Many of these residents host their independent galleries, conduct workshops, and showcase their open studios throughout the year. Music, film, and other festivals also draw other artists throughout the year.
A Cultural Smorgasbord
Sponsored by VISIT SAN LUIS OBISPO
A Great Family Getaway
Kids love to play and make art at San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum. Imaginations get lost here on three floors of hands-on exhibits. Little artists discover the magic of butterflies through a series of art workshops and several unique programs like Sensory Night for Children on the Spectrum, which runs monthly. The outdoor playscape is a fun way to expend energy before the next adventure.
A Small Town That Makes You Smile
San Luis Obispo
"This could be home."
Quaint Downtown to Sublime Wine Country
Sponsored by City of San Luis Obispo, Ca
